The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and Mayzie La Bird, along with a host of characters from Whoville, will take audiences on a whimsical adventure this month when St. John Theatre presents its summer production, “Seussical.”

Chris Frederic and Sean Roussel rehearse a scene in "Seussica,l" opening July 20 at St. John Theatre in Reserve.

Many of the beloved characters Dr. Seuss introduced to America in his popular children’s books will be brought to life July 20-22 and 25-28 at the community theater in Reserve.

“Seussical,” based on 15 Dr. Seuss books, debuted as a musical on Broadway in 2000. Don’t mistake this musical, however, as a children’s show. It will appeal to all ages, SJT veteran director Darryl P. Clement said. Audience members who grew up reading Dr. Seuss’s children’s books will recognize many aspects of the show, which intertwines many of his famous stories.

The splendor of the set, music, costumes, dancing and singing and a talented cast will delight audiences, Clement said.

“The set is like opening a page of one of Dr. Seuss’s books,” he said. “The costumes are symbolic of the animals in his stories, and the music is just phenomenal. It’s song after song after song.”

“The main message of the story is about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do,” Clement said. “It’s a great production, all around.”

Throughout the show, the Cat in the Hat, played by longtime stage favorite Chris Frederic, narrates, popping in and out of scenes as he helps young members of the audience keep up with the musical’s plot. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton the Elephant played by stage veteran Sean Roussel, who is trying to protect Whoville while guarding an egg left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird played by Chrissy Carter. Meanwhile, Gracie Millet as Gertrude McFuzz tries to express her love for Horton, but he doesn’t seem to notice her.

“The cast does an awesome job,” Clement said.

Logan Viverito plays Thing One, and Gary Robert plays Thing Two.

“The Things don’t have a line at all, and they pop in and out, all over the place, so full of energy,” Clement said. “They add so much to the show.”